Kuala Lumpur 2009 – Caran d’Ache, Maison de Haute Ecriture, announces its new Limited Edition, “Dragon” created in collaboration with the Swiss jeweller, Edouard Jud. It is a unique collector’s piece and its decoration, based on the image of a dragon, is an enchanting combination of strength and delicacy.

An Angel of the Orient, the Dragon has magical and spiritual powers. It takes the form of a gigantic serpent with scales and a tail similar to a fish, as well as powerful talons. The number of its claws indicates its strength.

Caran d’Ache expertise and craftsmanship have created a pen that will delight all lovers of rare and beautiful objects. This Limited Edition has been specially produced as a tribute to China.

The bright red lacquer of the 88 Dragon fountain pens and 88 roller pens is a sign of life and renaissance. These 88 pieces of art, a poem of praise for China, refer to the number 8, the Chinese symbol of equilibrium and good fortune.

While the Dragon designates the Emperor, the Pearl designates the wisdom of the leader, the perfection of his thoughts and his instructions.

The decoration is an elegant design in rhodium-coated solid silver. It represents a five-clawed dragon, symbol of the almighty emperor. The cap and body of the pen are each decorated with two dragons and another five can be found engraved on the writing block. In total, nine dragons embellish this Limited Edition, the number 9 being the symbol of absolute perfection. The lotus flower, the temple and a cherry tree are also presented in delicate sculptures. The wisdom of the leader is represented by another delicate touch which is the Akoya pearl that adorns the top of the cap.

For the most demanding, lovers of precious objects, Caran d’Ache has decided to create 10 exclusive fountain pens and 10 exclusive roller pens with a special finishing. Made of solid gold, set with nine diamonds and decorated with five pearls, these pieces embody the whole craftsmanship excellence.

Unique, infinitely precious pieces, the Dragon Limited Editions are presented in a special black lacquered wooden box.

Technical data
Limited Edition 800 solid silver

• Part of the famous Artiste Collection by Caran d’Ache, the Limited Edition Dragon is available in 88 fountain pens and 88 roller pens
• Manufactured according to the rigorous Swiss-Made quality standards
• 18 ct. solid gold rhodium-coated nib
• Sculpture of rhodium-coated 800 solid silver laid onto a body of red lacquer
• Top of the cap adorned with an Akoya pearl
• Writing block engraved with five dragons
• In total, nine dragons represented on the writing instruments (the number 9 being the symbol of absolute perfection)
• The pen’s ring carries the Caran d’Ache logo together with the number and the master craftsman’s mark which guarantee the origin and certification of the pieces.
• Each piece guaranteed for life

Available at specialist writing instrument shops.

Limited Edition solid gold

• Part of the famous Artiste Collection by Caran d’Ache, the Limited Edition Dragon is available in 10 fountain pens and 10 roller pens
• Manufactured according to the rigorous Swiss-Made quality standards
• 18 ct. solid gold nib
• Sculpture of solid gold laid onto a body of red lacquer
• Body and cap set with nine diamonds and decorated with five pearls
• Top of the cap adorned with an Akoya pearl
• Writing block engraved with five dragons
• In total, nine dragons represented on the writing instruments (the number 9 being the symbol of absolute perfection)
• The pen’s ring carries the Caran d’Ache logo together with the number and the master craftsman’s mark which guarantee the origin and certification of the pieces.
• Each piece guaranteed for life

Available at specialist writing instrument shops KS Gill, Pen Gallery and Caran d’Ache boutique @ Pavilion KL.

PRESS KIT REQUEST
To feature this collection in your publication, please contact BRANDTHINK Malaysia at +60-3-22872255.

Related posts:

1. The first true Jewel of History by Caran d’Ache.
2. Caran d’Ache, Maison de Haute Ecriture, reveals one of Switzerland’s most beautiful secrets
3. Perles de Caran d’Ache: Fine Writing meets Fine Jewellery

Kuala Lumpur, July 2009 – Caran d’Ache, Maison de Haute Ecriture, brings out its new “Red Cliff” Limited Edition – first born of the Jewels of History collection – first crossover pen with a blockbuster ever made.

With its proud heritage of over 80 years as the preeminent creator of “Swiss Made” writing instruments, Caran d’Ache have always believed in honouring the past. This respect and esteem now takes a corporeal form, with the creation of a collection devoted to the legacy of mankind – The Jewels of History.

The first member of this astounding new collection is the epic Battle of Red Cliffs. This renowned encounter, between the forces of the northern and southern Chinese kingdoms, was selected as part of collaboration with the filmmakers of the new epic movie, Red Cliff. The film is directed by the internationally and critically acclaimed Chinese film director John Woo, and with an estimated budget of US$80 million is the most expensive Asian-financed film to date. Befitting such a momentous cinematic event, Red Cliff will boast an all-star Asian cast including: Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Fengyi, Chang Chen, Zhao Wei, Hu Jun, Shidou Nakamura and Chiling Lin. On June 30th, and as part of the film’s partnership with Caran d’Ache, world-renowned film director, John Woo, was presented with his own Jewel of History and indeed all the aforementioned superstars will own a magnificent Red Cliff Limited Edition writing instrument. To celebrate this collaboration, 10% of the proceeds of the sales of Red Cliff Limited Edition Pens will be donated to charity.

The Limited Edition Red Cliff by Caran d’Ache has been created to honor one of China’s greatest historical battles and pays homage to the skill of the leaders and the heroism of the soldiers. Crafted in solid silver, the soldiers of the famous warlords Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sun Quan do battle across the body of the pen striving for supremacy of the Yangtze. A golden general astride his mighty steeds; a silver ship laden with troops; and a myriad of banners and armaments all combine to capture the soul and magnitude of this crucial event in Chinese History.

The intricacy and complex detail of the piece is augmented by the Italian flair infused by the Master Jeweler, Franco Anzelmo. These works of arts are a true collusion of East and West. 208 pieces, in reference to the year of the epic battle, have been made in both Roller ball and Fountain pen versions. An exclusive 8 pieces, in both Roller ball and Fountain pen, have been made in precious solid gold.

PRESS KIT REQUEST
To feature this collection in your publication, please call BRANDTHINK Malaysia at +60-3-22872255.

Related posts:

1. The Limited Edition Dragon: an imperial myth
2. Caran d’Ache, Maison de Haute Ecriture, reveals one of Switzerland’s most beautiful secrets
3. Caran d’Ache, Maison de Haute Ecriture – The House of High Writing

Kuala Lumpur – May 2009. With the launch of the “Secret Journey” Limited Edition, the famous Maison de Haute Ecriture takes collectors back in time to the shores of Lake Léman (Lake Geneva) during the last three centuries.

The secret involves technical expertise, an understanding of what makes something truly special, and the knowledge of how to create it. It’s a secret shared by all those who succeed in developing something unique. Caran d’Ache is a legitimate member of this select group: its products are creative masterpieces of artistry and technique. They are the brand’s chief assets.

To match this bold approach, the company has found its inspiration by the Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). For the first time it has dedicated a trilogy of unique writing instruments to three major authors who have been secret guests on its shores. In praise of Switzerland and the timeless beauty of the lake, the “Secret Journey” Limited Editions describe the lake shore, seen from three towns in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

But the real journey starts where the secrets are hidden. The “Secret Journey” Limited Editions are technical marvels containing a discreet mechanism that reveals quotations from the writers, together with a precious stone carefully selected to reflect a special characteristic of the author concerned. On the body and cap of the writing instruments, subtly presented old maps will lead anyone who loves rare and valuable objects into the very heart of history.

In May 2009, the 300 fountain pens and 150 roller pens of  “Secret Journey I” will be the first instruments in this Limited Edition to be unveiled. Travelling back to the 18th century on the northern shore of the lake, we discover the city of Lausanne in the company of Voltaire.

One of the most famous personalities of his century, this celebrated man of letters was a symbol of his era, and the enjoyable time he spent in Lausanne is immortalised in a quotation ingeniously concealed on the body of the pen. Also hidden away is a diamond, symbolising the principles defended by Voltaire during the Age of Enlightment. It indicates the city of Lausanne on an 18th century map of Lac Léman executed in fine engravings and subtle images in black lacquer on the silver-plated, platinum-coated body of the pen.

For collectors of exceptional objects, 30 special boxes of the “Secret Journey” trilogy will also be available in the May of 2009.  These rare pieces will enable their highly privileged owners to possess the most beautiful thoughts of the three authors, together with their inkwells and illustrated cards from the period, as well as a luxurious three-pen travel case to take with them wherever they go.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Secret Journey I

The “Secret Journey I” writing instruments – 300 fountain pens and 150 roller pens − are entirely manufactured in the company’s Geneva workshops.

Silver-plated and coated with platinum, they are dazzling incarnations of Caran d’Ache expertise.

Platinum, a precious grey-white metal, ensures that the pen retains its sheen over the years. This noble metal, highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation as well as scratching and tarnishing, is widely used in jewellery and is ideal for protecting Caran d’Ache writing instruments.

Parts of the pen are subtly engraved, both on the surface and in depth, then delicately enhanced with black lacquer to pick out the details of the plains, rivers and famous mountain landscapes.

A Top Wesselton VVS diamond of 0.06 carats, marking the city of Lausanne, crowns the body of the pen which also contains the words spoken by Voltaire. Until the special mechanism is operated manually, the secret phrase is covered by the famous engraved pattern from the world of watchmaking: “Côtes de Genève”.

The silver-plated tip of the fountain pen and roller pen is coated in platinum and personalised by a guillochage that is repeated on the piston pump. The pump is crowned with a diamond of 0.03 carats. The “Secret Journey 1” fountain pen can also be used with Caran d’Ache cartridges.

Carefully designed to match the writing instruments, the 18-carat gold nibs are coated in platinum and finely engraved with the points of the compass. They are available in three widths: Fine, Medium and Large.

The roller pen uses a roller point cartridge.

Lastly, the ring is stamped with the Caran d’Ache master craftsman’s mark. Each writing instrument is individually numbered: 1 to 300 for the fountain pens and 1 to 150 for the roller pens.

These exclusive pieces are presented in a sumptuous black lacquer box carrying a representation of the Lausanne region. The fountain pen case includes a superb inkwell: a raw glass bottle with a silver-plated cap engraved with the Caran d’Ache monogram. It contains Blue Night ink, one of the “Colours of the Earth” collection created by Caran d’Ache, specially chosen for this marvellous Limited Edition.

The “Secret Journey” Limited Edition will be available from May 2009 in shops that specialise in top-of-the-line fine writing instruments.

The trilogy

The trilogy of “Secret Journey” Limited Editions will be available in 30 exclusive pre-launch editions. The fountain pens “Secret Journey I” “Secret Journey II” and  “Secret Journey III”, including their inkwells and their respective cards, will be presented in a stunning three-pen box in black lacquer with a lid varnished with a map of the entire Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Together, these works of art will enchant the most demanding collectors.

The “Secret Journey” Limited Edition trilogy will be available from May 2009 in shops that specialise in top-of-the-line fine writing instruments.

Related posts:

1. Caran d’Ache, Maison de Haute Ecriture – The House of High Writing
2. The first true Jewel of History by Caran d’Ache.
3. The Limited Edition Dragon: an imperial myth

Kuala Lumpur – May 2009. Caran d’Ache, Maison de Haute Ecriture, adds a new page to the history of pearls. The Harvest Collection is a fascinating design based on the Akoya pearl. It has been created in the tradition of the leading jewellery manufacturers in Switzerland and meets the highest “Swiss Made” quality standards.

“Perles de Caran d’Ache” is a magnificent example of what can be achieved when the world of fine writing joins with the world of fine jewellery.

Today, when customising and very demanding standards are the norm, the two worlds have many of the same priorities. They share a passion for precision, they honour the skills and specialist knowledge of their craftsmen, and they are driven by the same search for perfection and elegance. Each pen and each piece of jewellery is a blend of creativity and intelligence; a wonderful tribute to their makers’ virtuosity and imagination.

It is no accident that fine writing and fine jewellery have come together in special Caran d’Ache creations. These beautiful objects excite the emotions, symbolising elegance, sensuality and rarity. The time and complexity they involve is forgotten in the enjoyment of sharing a unique experience  the birth of the “Perles de Caran d’Ache” and its Harvest Collection.

As the idea slowly formed in the designer’s mind, everything developed from the pearl itself. With its mysterious glow and a shape so close to absolute perfection, a pearl fires every jeweler’s imagination. In the many beautiful objects that it inspires, it embodies the eternal rhythms of nature and the endless cycle of creation.

This particular pearl, like a delicate fruit, is harvested just once year. It is the beautifully proportioned Akoya pearl, a voyage into the very heart of Japan, an experience to share and treasure for ever.

To truly come alive, it requires a worthy piece of jewellery  a setting that emphasizes its contemporary feminism. This pen is a precious object with a subtle spiral engraving, in which the reflections of platinum blend with the sparkle of diamonds to enhance the pearl’s unique lustre. It is an exclusive and mysterious object, that guards its secrets under a beautiful cap. It is a jewel that delights in joining the dance of words.

Who is this pen for?  A woman who understands it and even resembles it in some ways. A collector and a hedonist. Someone who chooses a writing instrument to match her changing moods and  appreciates the elegance that refined accessories add to daily life.

These acessories are secret, emotive articles, charged with mystery and sensuality. They are sealed with a platinum rivet and punctuated with a pearl that glows among the delicate shades of finely coloured leather. Their perforated patterns evoke the engraved spiral shell that is the signature of this rare collection and, produced with superb Caran d’Ache craftsmanship, they are irresistible.

Technical description

The guillochage of the long slender body and the nib-block echoes the curves of a sea shell. Silver- plated and coated in platinum, the fountain pen, roller pen and ballpoint are all embellished with a delicate piece of jewellery: a row of five Akoya pearls.

The tip of the cap is particularly special. It is set with one or more diamonds, depending on the instrument (three diamonds on the fountain pen, two on the roller pen and one on the ballpoint). It also boasts an Akoya pearl.

The fountain pen has a piston pump in platinum-coated silver plate, decorated with guillochage and set with a 2mm diamond. The pen can also be used with Caran d’Ache cartridges. The 18-carat yellow gold nib is platinum-plated with an engraving that captures the perfect form of the pearls. It is polished by hand and, to suit all tastes, is available in three widths: F, M, B.

The roller pen is fitted with a Caran d’Ache roller cartridge that makes it supremely comfortable to use.

The ballpoint cartridge is the famous Caran d’Ache Goliath with its giant capacity of up to 600 A4 pages of perfectly clean writing.

Accompanying the Harvest Collection is a full line of small leatherware and matching desk accessories: 1-pen and 2-pen cases, an A5 notebook, a desktop pen holder and a paper knife  all sealed with a platinum rivet and crowned with a pearl  as well as a box of cartridges. The soft calfskin leathers are tinted in the colours of the collection, with a perforated design inspired by the natural form of a sea shell.

The Harvest Collection is available at Caran d’Ache boutique @ Pavilion, Lot 2.04.

- END -

Related posts:

1. The Limited Edition Dragon: an imperial myth
2. Caran d’Ache, Maison de Haute Ecriture – The House of High Writing
3. Caran d’Ache, Maison de Haute Ecriture, reveals one of Switzerland’s most beautiful secrets

Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman Said, Minister of Tourism Launched Caran d’Ache in Malaysia

October 2008 – The only Swiss Made writing instrument brand in the world, Caran d’Ache of Switzerland recently announced their brand launch in Malaysia, bringing its exceptional collections closer to the reach of collectors and consumers in this country. The Caran d’Ache brand launch was held at LaFite @ ShangRiLa where Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman Said, Minister of Tourism officially welcomed the brand to Malaysia together with Mr Philippe De Korodi, CEO of Caran d’Ache of Switzerland and Christian Winter, Counsellor/Deputy Head of Mission, DFA Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Embassy of Switzerland in Malaysia.

Aptly themed as “A Night of Unique Craftsmanship”, where Haute Ecriture meets Haute Cuisine, guests which included dignatories, socialites, celebrities and pen enthuasiasts were treated to a live showcase of Caran d’Ache craftsmanship via its Chief Craftsman, Mr Niklaus Muller as well as Malaysia’s first molecular gastronomy showcase by Chef Damon. To mark this milestone in Malaysia, Caran d’Ache launched Perles of Caran d’Ache . In addition, Caran d’Ache showcased two exquisitely bejeweled writing instruments, The La Modernista and The Gotica Jewel, both one of its kinds in the world to be exhibited in the event.

Armed with a priceless legacy of creating exceptional writing instruments that dates back to 1924, Caran d’Ache has since earned a leading position in the European markets, as well as North America, the Middle East and North Asia. Its entry into Malaysia is part of the brand’s rapid expansion in South East Asia and a testament to the brand’s continual success and popularity.

“At Caran d’Ache, we are firm believers in keeping the art of writing well and alive. In the great Swiss manufacturing tradition, we always work with passion and rigour to create exceptional products. The daring combination of technology and aesthetic appeal has reaffirmed Caran d’Ache’s positioning as “Maison de Haute Ecriture”. With our success in the other global markets, and in line with our worldwide expansion plans, Caran d’Ache of Switzerland is now focusing on South East Asia, particularly Malaysia, as it is an essential and strategic market within this Region.” said Philippe de Korodi, the newly appointed CEO of Caran d’Ache.

“The recent opening of our boutiques in China, HK, Singapore and Malaysia is not purely commercial as we want to be closer to our customers so that we can share the passion for writing instruments. The boutiques will also be our platform to reinforce our after sales service where we provide a lifetime guarantee on our writing instruments.

“KL has been chosen to be the first boutique due to the recognition and expounding growth of users in the country. In recognition of the existing connoisseurs and
growing collectors, Caran d’Ache will use the boutique to feature the masterpieces and limited editions which reaffirms Caran d’Ache positioning as “Maison de Haute Ecriture”, De Korodi elaborated.

Maison de Haute Ecriture – about Caran d’Ache

In 1924, the company’s founder Arnold Schweitzer acquired the “Ecridor Pencil Factory” (founded in 1915) in Geneva, Switzerland and established a new company under the name Caran d’Ache Swiss Pencil Factory.

Today, Caran d’Ache remains the world’s only Swiss manufacturer of fine arts products and writing instruments. Based in a country that is world famous for its watchmaking and jewellery, it is not surprising that the company has earned an international reputation for products of exceptional quality and beauty. These include luxury-writing instruments, accessories and fine arts materials.

Caran d’Ache writing instruments are designed, developed and manufactured in Thonex-Geneva and sold worldwide through a specialized distribution network. With subsidiaries in Europe, USA, Asia and Middle East, they have a strong international presence and maintain a close relationship with both clients and partners. Fine writing instruments of Caran d’Ache is distributed exclusively by Dianomiq Sdn. Bhd. and is retailed at Caran d’Ache Boutique @ Pavilion KL Shopping Mall, and major pen retailers such as Pen Gallery and K.S. Gills.

For more on Caran d’Ache, call Caran d’Ache boutique 03-21416421. Media enquiries, please call BRANDTHINK PR at 03-22852277.

Related posts:

1. Caran d’Ache, Maison de Haute Ecriture, reveals one of Switzerland’s most beautiful secrets
2. Perles de Caran d’Ache: Fine Writing meets Fine Jewellery
3. The first true Jewel of History by Caran d’Ache.